Shameless Panhandling

February 11, 2014

As is every responsible blogger's duty, I occasionally search through past posts looking for topics that could provide a followup worthy of your valuable readin' time. Needless to say, this can be a bleak and cheerless task as some of the subjects of previous posts have passed into the great unknown, never to be resurrected. Sometimes, however, a quest for new news yields such high levels of goodness that it's nearly impossible for me not to engage in my trademark happy dance, which you will just have to imagine 'cause the public display of a dance that dangerously joyous would most likely drive us all to madness.

And so it is that some weeks ago I decided to find out what, if anything, could be learned about the fate of America's Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM)--a priceless cultural and educational institution that had its home here in Milwaukee and had no equal anywhere in the world. The last I had heard, ABHM had been forced to close its doors due to financial hardship and its original website had been taken down. As we know all too well, history does not often tell uplifting stories of institutions that begin a free fall into the waiting arms of death, and I braced myself for the worst.

Well, boy howdy, was I wrong! And I've never been more giddy to be wrong, wrong, wrong. A quick search revealed that ABHM is still alive and busy teachin' us all, albeit solely on the Interwebs™. Oh Happy Day!

For those unfamiliar with ABHM, the Museum was founded by the late Dr. James Cameron, a Wisconsin native and the only known survivor of a lynching, which took place on August 7, 1930 in Marion, Indiana. Dr. Cameron turned this horrific experience into a catalyst for seeking racial and social justice, and he opened ABHM in 1984 as the nation's only memorial institution dedicated to the documentation of and education of the public about the grave injustices and brutal treatment suffered by people of African heritage in the United States.

Having perused the new ABHM website extensively, I contacted Dr. Fran Kaplan, Executive Director, to get the lowdown on this positive turn o' events. Seems the decision to reopen ABHM as a virtual museum was both an extremely practical and super smart one. In terms of finances, of course, the low-overhead of a website easily trumps the constant resource-sucking voracity of a brick-and-mortar space, leaving more moola to invest in programming. In addition to the monetary benefits, a virtual museum has the potential to reach and teach millions, even billions of people all over the planet.

Kaplan was keen to point out that ABHM is a "true" virtual museum. That is, while there are plenty of museums that maintain information and/or galleries online, those websites serve only as support mechanisms and marketing tools for the physical museums. By contrast, the ABHM site is a destination in and of itself. All information and galleries are posted there for the edification of everyone, and no one misses out just because they can't travel to Milwaukee.

Though the new ABHM will turn just 2 years old this February 25, it's already received 120,000 unique visitors from 189 countries. The site is filled with a huge amount of important information, including videos featuring scholar-griots--i.e. oral historians in the West African tradition--who serve as guides and other documentary footage, and new content is uploaded regularly.

What does the future hold? More, more, more! Also, as Dr. Kaplan informed me, there are plans to introduce historically accurate interactive games as well as a series of webinars to increase visitor participation and expand educational offerings. The Museum has an impressive International Advisory Committee and some discussion has taken place about the possibility of broadening its scope to include the larger Pan-African history and its issues, but that would be a gigantic undertaking. After all, the history of the African-American experience has yet to be fully and truthfully told, not to mention yet to be fully and truthfully incorporated into the whole of American history, so let's not get ahead of ourselves, eh?

For those of us lucky enough to live in the Milwaukee area, we can take advantage of some in person special events ABHM is presenting, like the film series Created Equal: America's Civil Rights Struggle. The schedule is as follows:

I have it on the ultimate authority that more events will be scheduled, so stay tuned. And FYI, just to prove that the Museum is gettin' local folks excited even without a physical presence, its Gathering for Racial Repair and Reconciliation event in celebration Dr. James Cameron's 100th Birthday on February 23 is SOLD OUT, baby! Now that's what we call success.

Okay, so click on over to the resurrected America's Black Holocaust Museum and learn yourself somethin'. Click now and keep right on clickin' into the future. While you're there during what no doubt will be your many visits, maybe you could chip in a bit to keep this vital virtual institution going? I knew that you would.

November 27, 2013

There's something fantastical that I've learned over the past five years, which is that readers of this here bloggity blog--yes, you!--are a veritable fountain of knowledge, willing to spew the life-giving moistness of enlightenment into the dry air of ignorance at any moment. I've also learned that if ya don't know somethin' you'll do whatever it takes to find out everything you can about it, thereby increasing the overall volume of your liquid wisdom stream. Um, okay, that came out a little funny, but ya get the point.

Raise your hand if you know of man named General Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Kosciuszko. Uh-huh, I see a few tiny paws going up tentatively, which means either ya think ya know or ya absolutely know but you're still working with your therapist on overcoming the traumatizing lie that being a history nerd is so not cool. Don't worry, you'll get there.

Some of you may recognize the General's name from a post waaay back in July of 2012, when we blogged up an historically significant play produced by Urban Anthropology Inc. called The March to Kosciuszko. For those who can't quite recall, Kosciuszko was a Polish-born engineering hero of the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), who later returned to his native land to win freedom for his own people. He was also a progressive thinker well ahead his time when it came to his belief in the abolishment of slavery--a conviction that prompted him to leave the money from his U.S. estate to buy freedom for slaves, provide them with education and purchase land. In short, he was an all-round righteous cat.

Given his undeniablely noble character, Milwaukee's Polish immigrant community commissioned Italian sculptor Gaetano Trentanove to create a bronze monument in the General's likeness--boldly astride a powerful horse, of course--erecting the finished piece high atop a grand granite pedestal in a park named after Kosciuszko on the city's south side in 1905. And there he posed in suspended animation for 108 years--only once being moved across the park in 1951--bravely enduring all kinds of weather--including yummy acid rain--until it was plain to see that the hero and his steed could use a bit o' TLC.

Enter the Milwaukee Polish Women's Cultural Club and the Kosciuszko Monument Committee, who led the charge in raising over $300,000 from the community for the restoration of the monument and save the day! And so they did, contracting with McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory Inc. in Oberlin, OH, to return Kosciuszko and his trusty equine back to their former glory and bring 'em back home all shiny and bright for a rededication that took place on November 11.

The End. Wait, no, I mean Not The End At All So Keep On Readin'!

To add a happy twist to our tale, the fine folks at Milwaukee Public Television (MPTV) decided that it would be an awesome idea to not only document the monument's restoration process but to also tell the thrilling story of General Tadeusz Kosciuszko so all may learn and know. Hooray!

The funds we raise will be used to support the cost of bringing the project to air. As you can imagine, producing a half hour documentary is a costly venture and although we were able to raise funds to support this project, there was a gap between our costs and the money we raised. Any funds that the crowd funding effort raises will be used to close the gap. If we are able to raise all the funds necessary to support the cost of our Kosciuszko Project, it allows us to do more documentaries of local interest in the future. Conversely, any shortfall, potentially jeopardizes future productions.

Holy HUGE opportunity for us all to give and get! Also, it's Thanksgiving time, folks, and a donation to this worthy project further proves you're a smart freedom-lover who knows that the only native Americans are, well, Native Americans and everybody else who helped win the Revolutionary victory over tyranny was from somewhere else, including Kosciuszko, so we need to give credit and thanks where it's due.

December 31, 2011

On January 1, 2012--that's tomorrow for you lucky yet befuddled few trapped in a dimension where time doesn't exist--the full PDF version of Artifacts will no longer be available for free at artifactsnovel.com and will be replaced with a free PDF of the first three chapters only.

While we'd like to give a strict deadline, preferably in an intense movie trailer voice--Time runs out at midnight (cue dramatic music)--chances are we won't get around to switching out the PDFs until the sweet Central Time sunrise of a New Year's Eve hang over appears. So, if you're really into drunk downloading at 2AM--and who isn't, huh?--it'll be there for ya.

Of course, you can purchase the paperback, deftly and beautifully printed by Milwaukee Printing Press, and/or the full PDF at the site for as long as your stunningly gorgeous heart desires. Those who do will receive our undying love and a personalized set of air kisses.

Artifacts has gotten some very solid press since its release in September, the most recent being an interview with me on WUWM 89.7 FM Milwaukee Public Radio's Lake Effect that aired on Saturday, December 10. Go the Artifacts Press page to view all media coverage to date.

As always, we sincerely thank everyone who has shown support and enthusiasm for Artifacts.

March 22, 2011

When most of us come across the multisyllabic descriptor "philanthropist" in our daily info gathering we don't think, "Hey, they're talking about me!" No, what we think is, "Oh, Warren Buffett/Bill and Melinda Gates/some random member of the Top 1% Crowd is gonna give away some serious kablingy." This spontaneous response couldn't be further off the mark, however, as each and every time we dig into our tiny pockets to benefit a worthy cause we become just as fancy but nowhere near as annoying as that Richie Rich kid from the old-timey comics--youngsters should go here for intel on that geekishly obscure reference.

Truly, the opportunities for us to morph into Philanthropists with a capital "P" are as numerous as there are deserving organizations and projects, making it a definite challenge to choose which we should back with our very hard earned dough. Today, though, I'm gonna make your decision so easy your money giving puzzler won't know what hit it.

So what meritorious cause raises my confidence level so high that I'm convinced there's no possible way you can resist? Why the Cream City Foundation's Art & Philanthropy: Caribbean Style event, scheduled to take place next Thursday in Milwaukee, that's what!

Organized to benefit CCF's Arts and Culture Fund, the happening will feature a silent art auction, with work by Ron Kosok, Pete Stolowski and Elizabeth Brown up on the block. Also, dance instructor Melissa Dexter will provide free, hot salsa dance lessons to anyone brave enough to strut their stuff in public and Women's Voices Milwaukee plan to perform as well.

Tickets can be purchased for a little as $25 and ya'll got at least that sittin' idle in your penny jar. Ambitious folks aiming to make a greenback splash can ante up more and have their name officially changed to that of a famous/infamous artist, like the stunningly talented Mexican painter Frida Kahlo--patron saint of the beautiful unibrow.

CCF is an outstanding and invaluable organization that works for social change on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. From its Gay Neighbor initiative to its tireless efforts to eliminate homelessness among LGBT youth, CCF makes Miltown and Southeastern Wisconsin a better, fairer and more compassionate place to live for all us.

Okay, so get yourself over to the Art & Philanthropy: Caribbean Style event on Thursday, March 31, 2011, from 6-9PM at the home of the mighty generous Andy Nunemaker. If anyone asks what you do while you're hobnobbin' at the party, you can loudly and proudly say, "I'm a Philanthropist."

January 28, 2011

Tonight is the night that all music lovers come to together at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music to honor and support one of the most incredible jazz musicians and teachers Miltown has ever known. I am of course speaking of Mr. Berkeley Fudge--a man of truly phenomenal talent and exceptional class.

If you've been following this here bloggity blog, you know that Mr. Fudge suffered a stroke on the weekend of November 20, 2010, stealing movement and feeling from the right side of his body and robbing him of his livelihood. While his progress back to fitness has been steady--and for that we are most grateful--he will remain unable to share his musical genius for some time to come.

The lineup for tonight's benefit concert is like reading a Who's Who of local jazz and other forms of tune-noodling:

Wowzie Wow Wow! Even if ya don't know who some or all of these stellar kings and queens of music are, you will and well if ya show up at 1584 North Prospect Avenue in Milwaukee for the Benefit for Berkeley at 7:30PM tonight. Your oh-so generous donation for Berk will be accepted at the door and there'll be a cash bar for those who desire some lubrication to smooth the groove.

I'll be on-hand at the event--as I hope you will--performing my very pleasant duties as Communications Coordinator for WCM, so if ya happen to spy old Cricky say "Hey!" Course, if the music's playin' keep it subtle by giving a little finger wave and a toothy grin. See ya there!

December 10, 2010

The jazz world received some decidedly alarming and sobering news on November 22: Berkeley Fudge--renowned saxophonist/flutist and 38-year veteran teacher/mentor at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (WCM)--had suffered a stroke, rendering one side of his body completely immobile and sans sensory perception.

Word has come today that Mr. Fudge, with the kind aid of the fine physical therapists at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center, is traipsing about a bit with a walker and has regained movement in his hands and fingers, though feeling has yet to return.

In heartfelt tribute to this great musician, The Jazz Estate at 2423 N. Murray Avenue on Milwaukee's East Side will be hosting a benefit concert tonight at 9:30PM sharp. The Estate's Brian Sanders provided me with the evening's complete line-up of performers, all of whom will be swingin' together in the name of Mr. Fudge:

There's an extremely reasonable $5 cover charge and a donation jar will be at the ready for your generously hep donation.

In addition to tonight's musically beneficial shindig, WCM is in the process of cookin' up something special as well, so stay tuned to this Cricky channel for more intel as it comes in.

Though Mr. Fudge has Medicare, which has covered his medical expenses thus far, he has no income coming in, so dig deep and give back to the man whose given us and indeed the world so much jazzy goodness. He and his loving wife thank you!

November 18, 2010

With the exception of only the most dedicated followers of Plato's hugely contradictory and therefore wacky Philosophy of Aesthetics, few would rationally argue that art in all its forms is fundamentally dangerous and, as such, should be vetted and censored so that only the "right" sort is allowed to exist in society. Because you're way smart, I don't have to bore us all by pointing out the deep and inherent flaws rooted in his theory, do I? Course I don't.

And so, since we know that any danger art presents is not elementally bad for us--that, in fact, experiencing ideas and concepts that challenge our senses and perceptions is most often good for us, not to mention a ton o' fun!--we have acknowledged that education in literature, poetry, drama, visual art, and music is essential to helping us become the well-rounded and complex human beings we need to be in order to navigate the world around us. Unfortunately, this understanding of the great value of art education does not always garner the financial support it requires to flourish, which is very, very bad.

Like all types of creative education, music training has suffered the oh-so sharp blade of the budget knife for decades, depriving both children and adults of the goodness it offers and diminishing the quality of life for the whole society. Well, kids, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (WCM), located right here in our fair Miltown, is bound and determined to stem the flow of this life-draining tide and they need your help to do it!

As a true community music school, WCM offers programs to everyone, and I mean everyone. From four-month-old toe biters to wily grand- and, yes, even great grandparents, all are welcome to learn and experience the awesome and unreserved power that music instills in our minds and spirits. Is that dangerous? Of course! Is that good? You bettcha!

Not only that but, through programs like Conservatory Connections, WCM brings music education to schools that have none and supplements those that do. Add its financial aid and scholarship programs and you've got a full-on, community wide music teachin' machine!

Now, humdrum full disclosure dictates that I come clean and inform y'all that I have recently become employed at WCM as its Communications Coordinator--a position for which I am fairly compensated--but that fact merely lends my positive opinion more credibility as I have borne witness to many of the fantastical things this school does up close and personal.

So, how can you help WCM and its incredibly worthy mission? By going to its annual Performathon and Open House this Sunday, November 21, that's how! With four stages of stellar performances by students of all ages--and, believe you me, the whole building will be alive with melodious sound!--a bake sale, a raffle for a 32GB WiFi iPad, and WCM merchandise available for your happy purchase, how could ya not show your adorable faces, huh?

Be there from 1-5PM on Sunday at 1584 N. Prospect Avenue, drop a little cash and show your support for all the dangerously beautiful music we humans can make!

September 20, 2010

WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio is currently engaged in a supremely subtle fundraising effort in the hopes that you--yes, you!--will show just how much you appreciate not hearing them shamelessly beg, plead and cajole hour after painful hour.

While the station has no direct connection with Jon Stewart's call to "Take it down a notch for America" and join his Rally To Restore Sanity in DC on October 30, 2010, their mission is essentially the same: To provide and encourage reasoned, in-depth discussion in our indoor voices on the issues--including artsy ones--that effect all our lives, thereby ensuring we don't jump the fence into Nutjobland.

WUWM needs to meet a $62,000 goal by September 27, so donate now! Your brain and the brains of your fellow Americans will thank you.

August 23, 2010

Miltowners and Wisco residents in general are often singled out as being some of the most generous peeps in existence. From helping victims of natural disasters to ensuring greater access to arts programming, we dig deep to give what we can to make the world a better place. We're also known for having a big, big love for music of all genres and traditions, made apparent through an extremely high level of attendance at concerts and live performances.

Right now, however, our long-standing and well-earned reputation of generosity and musical passion is at serious risk of being crap canned as the fundraising effort to keep Global Union going beyond this year has slowed to such an agonizing pace that we're starting to choke on the proverbial dust kicked up by both the tortoise and the hare.

At the moment of this posting, GU has raised $8,195, leaving a formidable amount of dough yet to be raised to reach the $15,000 it needs to carry on and keep bringing phenomenal acts from around the planet to play live in our mid-sized burg. And the deadline is just 18 days away!

Honestly, out of the copious number of music festivals this town stages, only Global Union presents a truly diverse lineup each and every year. Not once has it faltered in its mission to offer mind-altering and body-groovin' music or allowed itself to be influenced by the fickle winds of less-than-stellar trends.

Please open your heart and give now to save our sterling reputation from a messy, hard-to-clean trip down the flusher!

August 16, 2010

It's been a whole year since the folks over at Woodland Pattern Book Center proved themselves full-fledged members of the Nutty Club by hosting the first ever, all-day music and sound extravaganza to help the Alternating Currents Live concert series stay live. And even though they could have easily walked away from that challenging yet fantastical experience, mumbling, "Did we really just cram a minimum of four acts into every hour for eight straight hours and survive?" and vowing never to duplicate the madness, they're gonna do it once more with the 2nd Annual Music Marathon & Benefit this Saturday, August 21. Why? Because their dedication to this unique performance series will never die. Also, just like Ole Cricky here, their long-term memory is completely shot--hehe!

Last year's event was by all accounts a spectacular success--Whoot!--so in order to stage a repeat, they need every musician, sound artist and aural tinkerer interested in plucking, strumming, pounding, and/or singing in front of a warm and welcoming crowd to sign up by calling 414-263-5001 right now.

It matters not what you play--a tuba or a saxamophone, a washboard or a laptop, a viola or a kazoo--ya just have to able to do it for ten minutes. Got three songs just over three minutes each? Great! How 'bout two five minute ditties? Sweet, let's hear 'em! Or maybe you've been waiting for just the right venue to premier your ten minute epic? Your time has come!

All performers are asked to raise at least $25 in pledges, which is nothin' for a suave and persuasive peep such as yourself. In fact, I hear you're so good that you should be able to muster much more than that in donations and maybe a couple of homemade pies to boot.

For those of you who'd rather participate in the 2nd Annual Music Marathon & Benefit through the act of listening, get thee to Woodland Pattern Book Center, 720 E. Locust Street in Milwaukee, this Saturday. It's 8 bucks at the door and runs from 1PM to 9PM.